About the Turtle Conservation Group
The Turtle Conservation Group was launched in November 2019 after a group of like minded turtle conservation advocates noticed problems with turtle races in their respective areas. Initially created with the goal of getting turtle races prohibited, our views have evolved — we now believe that turtle races can be part of the solution if organizers take proactive steps towards conservation and animal welfare.
The Colorado Reptile Humane Society has generously served as our fiscal sponsor since shortly after our founding, allowing us all the advantages of being a 501(c)3 non-profit during our development. In 2022, we changed our name from the Turtle Race Task Force to the Turtle Conservation Group. This name reflects our vision to operate in many areas of turtle conservation, including reforming turtle races.
Meet the Board
The Turtle Conservation Group is governed by a nine member Board of Advisors — all of whom are passionate about turtle conservation and welfare
Alex Heeb
Co-Director — Chaffee, Missouri
A computer programmer by trade, Alex is an amatuer naturalist with extensive experience researching and observing box turtles in Missouri
Christine Light
Co-Director — Greensboro, North Carolina
Christine is a globetrotting marine biologist with a passion for endangered turtle conservation and husbandry
Bruce Wolhuter
Board Member Emeritus — Kansas
Bruce is a retired high school science teacher with a special interest in box turtles and their conservation in Kansas
Cailin Gallagher
Board Member — Fenton, Michigan
Cailing Gallagher recently graduated with a biology degree, which she intends to use to advance the cause of turtles in her home state
Ellie Houchin
Board Member — Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ellie is an animal enthusiest whose passion for all creatures finds a special place with turtles and hedgehogs
Madeline Smith
Board Member — Columbia, Missouri
Madeline grew up on a farm in Northern Missouri, and her passion animal husbandry led to an interest in turtles and other herps
Dr. Lily Parkinson
Ex-Officio Board Member — Chicago, Illinois
Lily is a veterinarian at Brookfield Zoo whose passion for wildlife finds a special place with turtles and tortoises
Our Supporters
The Turtle Conservation Group is supported by small donors and the following generous grant makers
All images and design © 2026 Turtle Conservation Group (TCG).
TCG operates under the 501(c)3 of the Colorado Reptile Humane Society